Making an Impact

Christians in Newbury are set to make a united 'impact' on the youth of the town this summer, as one of the biggest missions of recent years gets underway.

Working with Youth for Christ (a long-established national organisation that aims to 'take the good news relevantly to every youth') a team representing all the town's churches and Christian organisations has put together a wide range of events both in and out of school time to tell young people the gospel message 'in a non-threatening way'.

Called, suitably, 'IMPACT', the mission begins during term time with Youth for Christ teams and evangelists descending on St Bartholomew's School, Park House School and Trinity School for assemblies, lessons, workshops and lunchtime clubs offering everything from sports to drama, music and film fun.

Young people will also be able to drop in on events organised over four evenings and two Saturdays when, again, there will be a host of activities. St Nicolas Church will be hosting one of three joint Sunday evening services which it is hoped that Christians from around the town will come together in worship.

Zoe Silvester is on the organising committee for the mission and is a schools worker for the COINS Trust (Christian Opportunities in Newbury Schools) which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.

She told the DOOR that the last IMPACT, 10 years ago, had been hugely successful and in the last two years it was felt the time was right to repeat the idea.

She said: 'Going into the secondary schools and also having activities around the town outside of school hours for young people will give them lots of opportunity to get involved, have a great time, and hear the gospel message, whether they're usually churchgoers or not.'

She said everyone in Newbury had embraced the aim of the mission and thanked them for their support, whether in leading and helping run activities, providing accommodation for the Youth for Christ teams, catering, stewarding, offering facilities and resources or praying.

There had also been a great response to help with financing the project.

To maximise the benefits of the mission, follow-up events are planned throughout the summer as well as a course such as Youth Alpha for those who find they want to explore their spirituality further.

Zoe said: 'We've seen before that a mission like this really can have an impact on young people and can change lives. It's a really exciting time for everyone involved.'